Despite the numerous personnel changes and the nonexistent off season programs, the most important factor of the Cowboys season will be new head coach Mike McCarthy.
As the on-field portion of training camp began Friday, it was easy to see just how excited McCarthy was to be back involved with the game he knows and loves, especially in his new home in Dallas.
McCarthy held a virtual press conference with the media on Saturday, and touched on a number of topics regarding his first days with a Star on his shirt.
New Additions
The first question, to no surprise, was about the Cowboys latest free agent splash, Everson Griffen. McCarthy had this to say about his former division foe:
“I can’t say enough about Everson Griffen, the fact that I was able to compete against him twice a year, he was always the primary focus for us offensively… he’s a relentless player. He brings it every down, has great passion for the game. [I] had an opportunity to visit with him, he’s extremely excited, a big personality, so I think he’s going to be a great fit for our football team.”
McCarthy would add that Griffen can join the team after going through the proper Covid-19 protocols, which is a four-to-five day process.
Another former All-Pro added to the Dallas defense in the off season, Aldon Smith, has potential to be a huge X-factor for the Dallas defense.
“He looks great. He’s probably about 20 pounds bigger than when he last played on the 49ers,” McCarthy said about Smith. McCarthy would go on to add, “He’s very powerful, his length is extraordinary. He made in the team period, on a screen, that you don’t see everyday, that’s for sure. He’s hit the target in every phase that we’ve gone through, particularly the strength and conditioning.”
Rookie wide-receiver CeeDee Lamb has made headlines all off season, and the Cowboys 2020 first-round selection is already showing why the hype is real in just his first few days of training camp.
“He’s picked it up seamlessly. he’s done a great job in the classroom environment… he’s definitely shown the ability to play all three spots… we’ll see what goes on with punt return…” via K.D. Drummond.
Another high-profile rookie, cornerback Trevon Diggs, received plenty of first-team reps.
“Very smooth, he looks like he’s transitioning very well,” McCarthy said about the Alabama product. “We’ve only had one practice but the thing that jumps out to you on the practice field is particularly his ball skills. He’s a natural, and I think he’ll adjust very well to the NFL game.”
McCarthy would reiterate his willingness to play rookies often and early during his tenure in Green Bay. With the Cowboys need for turnover-creating defenders, Diggs should have a significant role from day one in Dallas.
Training Camp Details
McCarthy is bringing his coaching methods that he worked to establish in Green Bay to Dallas, but you can’t do everything quite the same. For example the team is beginning practice at 8:30 A.M. in order to try to beat the scorching Texas heat. He added that the current schedule involves meetings and walk-throughs in the evening, and that this camp schedule has the opportunity for flexibility.
The shortened camp is a new component that no coach has ever dealt with. McCarthy had this to say about how much each practice meant,
“This has been a different training camp… frankly the biggest thing that we talked about.. was the importance. How important each practice is, I’m not really worried about the physical talent of this team, I think we all agree its high in nature.” via K.D. Drummond.
The Cowboys quarterbacks were in red jerseys for the first time ever, and McCarthy uses this common tactic as a way to identify and to better protect the quarterbacks during practice.
The Cowboys special teams units have been poor in recent years, but the new staff in Dallas is making the third phase of the game a priority, under new leader John Fassel.
“We just, we’ve dedicated more time to special teams than I have in the past, and frankly I always felt we were pretty high as far as time spent on special teams as far as compared to other NFL teams,” McCarthy said. He would add, “We’re just investing a little bit more time with the specialists particularly just getting them as much work as possible.” via RJ Ochoa.
Injury Concerns
A handful of Cowboys missed the first day of training camp, most notable being La’el Collins and Dontari Poe.
McCarthy isn’t concerned about Collins health though, as he stated “I’m not going to get into the specifics of that, but it’s not something of high concern.”
Collins emerged as a star a right tackle last season for the Cowboys and will be crucial to the offenses continued success.
When asked how close Poe was to returning to the field from a quad injury McCarthy said,
“He’s doing well, looks good. Just watching him work out there it’s unbelievable. I’m always amazed by his footwork and his ability to get in and out of situations, so he’s making progress.”
Offensive lineman Cam Erving was also absent on day one, but he is another player who McCarthy said should be back sooner rather than later.
McCarthy and his staff have their work cut out for them, as every team does, with only 19 practices until the games begin. The full press conference can be found at this link.
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